• CBD topicals like lotions, ointments, or balms are CBD products applied to the skin for localized pain relief(1).
  • CBD administered as a topical may help manage pain and decrease inflammation and muscle tightness(2).
  • More studies are warranted to ascertain the effectiveness of CBD’s therapeutic potential in alleviating pain inflammation caused by various diseases.
  • Individuals should consult a physician about their medical condition before taking CBD.

How Can CBD Cream Relieve Pain?

Cannabidiol or CBD is a cannabis plant extract that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)(3).

The ECS contains various cannabinoid receptors that bind with CBD, including CB2 receptors. These receptors are present in immune cells and the peripheral nervous system. They create an anti-inflammatory effect when activated(4).

When CBD is administered topically, it may help provide pain relief and decrease inflammation, itching, muscle tightness, and sunburn(5).

Topical CBD products usually have an onset time of about 10 to 15 minutes. Their effects may last for about two to four hours(6).

What Research Mentions About CBD Creams for Pain

In one study, pediatric patients with epidermolysis bullosa were given topical CBD applied as a cream, oil, or spray(7).

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare skin disorder that causes the skin to blister and become fragile.

The study showed that CBD may help reduce blistering and pain and contribute to rapid wound healing.

Another study using CBD transdermal gel was conducted on a rat model with arthritis(8).

The study showed that CBD doses of 6.2 and 62 milligrams per day may have therapeutic potential in managing arthritis pain and provide anti-inflammatory effects without any evident side effects.

While this study was carried out on animals, it opens up the possibility of a similar study on humans.

Another study noted that applying CBD with argan oil may help manage pain and swelling due to inflammation caused by arthritic and rheumatic diseases(9).

An ongoing study is being conducted on the effects of topical CBD on joint arthritis(10).

The researchers noted that, although CBD is being used as a common over-the-counter product to help relieve arthritis-related pain, no previous clinical trial in this regard has been performed.

The study aims to determine if CBD is more effective than placebo to help relieve pain and improve patient-reported outcomes regarding thumb basal joint arthritis.

Another ongoing study aims to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of hemp-based CBD products with low THC levels(11).

Pharmacokinetics involves measuring the time course of a drug’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Pharmacodynamics is the relationship between a drug’s concentration at the action site and the drug’s effects(12).

How to Properly Use CBD Creams for Pain Management

Topicals like CBD lotions, ointments, or balms are applied to the skin for localized pain relief(13).

When cannabinoids are administered topically, they do not enter the bloodstream. Instead, the CB2 receptors on the skin pick up and absorb the cannabinoids to help provide pain relief and reduce inflammation(14).

Some CBD products are marketed as pain relief creams for joint pain, muscle pain, or muscle soreness. However, there are limited studies on CBD’s effectiveness in providing pain relief to sore muscles or chronic pain.

People must note that CBD is not considered a substitute for treating diseases. Before using CBD, individuals must consult a health care provider and get a professional diagnosis regarding their health condition.

Choosing the Best CBD Creams for Pain

To determine if the topical CBD cream to help with pain is a high-quality product, individuals must consider the extraction method used, the CBD oil content, types of CBD products offered, and the user’s preferences.

High-quality CBD usually comes from the hemp extract of grown hemp plants. Manufacturers use carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbon, or ethanol extraction methods to separate the CBD oil from the plant.

Once extracted, CBD oil is then classified as an isolate, full-spectrum, or broad-spectrum product.

Full-spectrum CBD oil usually has all the compounds and cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), flavonoids, and terpenes as active ingredients.

Flavonoids are plant compounds that have antioxidative effects, while terpenes are aromatic compounds that give plants their characteristic fragrance.

Combining these compounds in one product may produce an “entourage effect,” where the effects of cannabinoids and other compounds are greater than the sum of the benefits of each contributing part(15).

Broad-spectrum CBD oils are THC-free products containing most of the compounds and cannabinoids in a full-spectrum hemp product.

CBD isolates are products containing pure CBD only without the other cannabinoids or compounds.

Individuals who prefer the best CBD oil without the psychoactive effects of THC may opt for broad-spectrum CBD oil (also called broad-spectrum hemp) or isolates.

Reputable CBD brands provide a certificate of analysis (COA) together with their product. COAs produced by third-party labs contain test results about the product’s actual CBD content.

Third-party lab testing also checks for any harmful contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides that may cause a health risk to consumers. CBD brands selling quality products must be transparent by posting the COAs on their website.

Many CBD companies offer discounts upon subscription or 30-day money-back guarantees as part of their customer satisfaction efforts.

Some individuals may prefer CBD products that are cruelty-free or non-GMO. They may also consider products containing organic hemp grown in American hemp farms in states like Colorado, Kentucky, California, or Texas.

Another essential consideration when looking for CBD products is if they are certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Having a high rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) may also improve the CBD brands’ credibility.

What Is a CBD Cream?

CBD creams are topicals applied to the skin. Many CBD brands that sell these products often market them as applicable for nourishing or hydrating the skin, providing a cooling sensation, or helping with pain-relieving effects.

Some CBD brands offer topical products such as CBD salves, creams, or lotions. These products may contain organic ingredients and essential oils, such as:

  • Shea butter
  • Beeswax
  • Aloe vera
  • Tea tree oil
  • Peppermint oil
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Jojoba oil or jojoba seed oil

Other products like cooling creams may contain nutrients like vitamin E. These products may also include natural ingredients and fragrances like white willow bark. They may also have botanicals like menthol, arnica, and camphor that provide a cooling effect.

Arnica is a herb often used for bruises, sprains, muscle aches, and inflammation(16). Meanwhile, white willow bark has pain-relieving effects, especially for back pain and inflammatory conditions(17).

Other CBD brands offer roll-ons, massage oils, and moisturizing skincare products. Some companies also sell CBD topicals formulated for sensitive skin.

Benefits of Using CBD Creams

Some of the primary benefits of using CBD as a topical include decreasing inflammation, itchiness, muscle tightness, and sunburn(18).

Most inflammatory skin conditions are currently treated using anti-inflammatory agents like topical corticosteroids. Experts say that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties sans the potential negative side effects may encourage more people to try this method to help with inflammation-related conditions(19).

However, experts acknowledge that more data is needed to determine if CBD in topical form is effective as an anti-inflammatory agent comparable to steroids.

Preclinical evidence suggests that topical CBD application may effectively manage skin disorders like psoriasis, pruritus (itchy skin), eczema, and other inflammatory conditions(20).

Still, the researchers mentioned a need to fully identify and confirm CBD’s clinical efficacy on a molecular level.

How Safe Are CBD Creams?

A World Health Organization (WHO) report stated that CBD does not exhibit any effect indicating a potential for abuse or dependence. To date, the WHO sees no evidence that recreational CBD use may cause public health-related problems(21).

To date, the only CBD product that may be used as a prescription medication is Epidiolex. This drug was approved as a treatment for epilepsy by the Food and Drug Administration(22).

Aside from studies on Epidiolex, more research and clinical trials are needed to determine CBD’s safety and other benefits conclusively.

One study stated that high doses of up to 1,500 mg of CBD per day may be well tolerated among humans(23).

The researchers also mentioned that controlled CBD administration may be a safe way for humans and animals to take CBD.

CBD is not considered an intoxicant and does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC. Additionally, CBD is not intrinsically sedating. However, it may help improve sleep patterns by managing anxiety(24).

What Are the Negative Effects of CBD Creams?

To date, no clinical studies have been undertaken to determine the adverse effects of CBD creams.

However, the side effects of CBD, in general, may include dry mouth, drowsiness, appetite loss, fatigue, and diarrhea(25).

There is also concern about the accuracy of the CBD content and dosage in some CBD products. In one study that reviewed 84 CBD products bought online, more than a quarter were found to have less CBD content than in their labels(26).

To ensure that the product label and actual CBD content match, individuals must check the product’s COA and compare the details to what is on the label. Reputable CBD brands make sure COAs are publicly available on their websites.

The FDA cautions individuals that CBD may have the potential to cause harm, such as the following(27):

  • CBD may lead to liver injury.
  • CBD may affect how other drugs work when taken together with these substances.
  • CBD with alcohol or other drugs may cause sedation or drowsiness, leading to injuries.
  • CBD may have detrimental effects on fertility among males or male offspring in females.

The FDA also warns that CBD products with misleading, false, or unproven claims may cause consumers to forego seeking proper medical attention, including diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care(28).

Individuals are recommended to talk to a doctor regarding the best ways to manage medical conditions or diseases using FDA-approved treatment options.

Other CBD Administration Methods to Consider

Aside from topical administration, there are different ways to take CBD oil to help manage pain, including:

  • Oral administrationCBD oil administered through oral ingestion goes through the body’s digestive tract. Afterward, CBD is metabolized by the liver before getting absorbed into the bloodstream.

Some oral CBD products include CBD capsules and softgels, and edibles such as CBD gummies, cookies, and candies.

The onset time for orally ingested CBD products is around 30 to 90 minutes, while their effects may last for six to eight hours(29).

  • Sublingual administration – Through sublingual administration, CBD oil bypasses the digestive tract and goes directly into the bloodstream through the blood vessels under the tongue.

CBD oil tinctures may be administered sublingually using droppers or oromucosal sprays.

Tinctures usually contain a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or hempseed oil extracted from hemp seeds to dilute the CBD concentrate.

Tinctures and other CBD products delivered sublingually have onset times of 15 to 30 minutes. Their effects may last for around two to four hours(30).

  • Transdermal application – Transdermal products like patches or gels are applied to the skin. However, their effects are not similar to topical CBD products.

Transdermals deliver CBD through the layers of skin and into the bloodstream. Onset times are around 15 to 30 minutes, and the effects may last for four hours for gels or eight hours for patches(31).

  • Vaping – This method delivers CBD through inhalation and is considered one of the quickest methods to administer CBD(32).

However, vaping can cause various health risks related to lung disease(33). Individuals are cautioned regarding such risks when using vapes for CBD administration.

CBD delivered through inhalation may take effect in 2 to 15 minutes and last for about two to four hours(34).

When the Farm Bill was signed in 2018, it removed hemp and derivatives of cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC from the controlled substances list.

The Farm Bill also legalized industrial hemp cultivation in the United States. The country’s drug enforcement laws control industrial hemp production, requiring hemp to contain THC levels of no more than 0.3% only(35).

For this reason, CBD products and supplements derived from marijuana that contain more than 0.3% THC are illegal(36).

While all 50 states have laws regulating CBD use, these laws have varying restriction levels(37).

Individuals who plan to use CBD oil products must check their state’s laws to determine if CBD use is legal in their area.

To date, the FDA has approved only one CBD-based prescription medication for treating seizures associated with epilepsy(38).

The FDA also warns that marketing CBD as a food additive or dietary supplement is illegal.


  1. page 210 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  2. Ibid.
  3. page 103 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  4. page 66-68 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  5. page 210 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  6. Ibid.
  7. Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222489/
  8. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
  9. Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222489/
  10. Topical CBD in Joint Arthritis
    https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04611347
  11. The Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Hemp-based Topical Cannabinoid Products
    https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04741477
  12. Introduction to Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
    https://www.ashp.org/-/media/store%20files/p2418-sample-chapter-1.pdf
  13. page 210 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  14. Ibid.
  15. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
  16. Arnica
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/arnica
  17. Willow bark
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/willow-bark
  18. page 210 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  19. Should I Use CBD Products on My Skin?
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/cbd-beauty-products.html
  20. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/
  21. CANNABIDIOL (CBD)Pre-Review ReportAgenda Item 5.2
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
  22. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
  23. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22129319/
  24. CBD & THC: Myths and misconceptions
    https://www.projectcbd.org/cbd-101/cbd-misconceptions
  25. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
  26. Ibid.
  27. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
  28. Ibid.
  29. page 191 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  30. page 192 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  31. page 194 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  32. Best way to take CBD
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/best-way-take-cbd
  33. Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don’t) know
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
  34. page 190 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  35. Industrial hemp
    https://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/fiber/industrial-hemp
  36. CBD & THC: Myths and misconceptions
    https://www.projectcbd.org/cbd-101/cbd-misconceptions
  37. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
  38. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
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